10 Things to Do in Cancun in June

June is the low season in Cancun, so there are usually fewer tourists and the prices of flights and hotels go down. All this makes it an optimal destination for many travelers.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Cancun in June

Cancun | ©bonniejconley

Temperatures in Cancun remain warm throughout the year, which is why many tourists prefer to visit the Caribbean in winter and experience a "second summer". However, if you travel to Cancun in June, you will find much more affordable prices and you can enjoy the city and its beaches without the crowds of the high season.

In addition, in June there are unique moments, such as the arrival of the whale shark off the coast of Isla Mujeres, and special events, such as the sales and the summer solstice. Stay and read on if you want to discover all that this city has to offer!

1. Swim with whale sharks

Swimming with sharks in Holbox Island| ©Edier Rosario
Swimming with sharks in Holbox Island| ©Edier Rosario

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you plan your trip to Cancun, but you should know that from early June to mid-September, the imposing whale shark, the largest fish in the world, settles around Isla Mujeres in search of a warm climate and forms the largest concentration of this species in the world.

There is a whole organized tourism around them and there are many companies that promise to watch these animals from the comfort of a small boat, although it is also possible to snorkel and even swim and dive with them, one of the best activities to do in Cancun.

Whale sharks can reach 12 meters long, but don't panic! These animals feed exclusively on plankton and are very docile, so activities with them are completely safe.

If swimming or diving is not your thing, don't miss the experience of seeing one of these animals from the boat, it is definitely worth it at least once in a lifetime. For more information about this activity you can read the post about the best boat trips in Cancun.

Book an excursion to the cenotes of Cancun

2. Visit Isla Mujeres

Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr
Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr

Since we have already mentioned this island because of its whale shark population, it is worth mentioning that Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular destinations in the country among tourists, has one of the best beaches in Cancun and leaves no one indifferent, especially in the summer months, when temperatures are warmer and more pleasant.

The island gets its name from the Mayan civilization, since the women of that time made a pilgrimage to this place to make the symbolic passage from girl to woman. That is why you will also find here the ruins of the temple consecrated to Ixchel, the goddess of the moon.

In addition, when night falls, Isla Mujeres becomes a hive of bars and entertainment venues, especially on Hidalgo Avenue, located in the center of town. Ferries depart every half hour approximately from four different ports (from the Embarcadero, Playa Caracol, Playa Tortugas and Puerto Juárez) and the trip takes about 20 minutes. Don't miss it!

You may also be interested in taking one of the organized excursions to Isla Mujeres, where transfers to and from the island are included.

Book a catamaran excursion to Isla Mujeres

3. Take a trip to Holbox

Holbox Island| ©Robin Elric
Holbox Island| ©Robin Elric

Although it is a little farther away than Isla Mujeres, excursions to Holbox Island are always recommended. Besides, you are in luck, because due to the temperatures and weather, June is the best month to enjoy all that this paradise has to offer and it is a good time to travel to Cancun. Above all, to admire the marine bioluminescence.

Marine bioluminescence is a very special natural phenomenon that only takes place in some specific points of our planet. Thanks to a protein found in the water, it glows at night. Just move it a little and you will see hundreds of little lights, as if there were fireflies swimming! Undoubtedly, one of the things to do if you travel to Cancun with children.

In addition to the above, this island remains true to its essence, for starters, it doesn't even have cars! People and tourists get around in golf carts. So relax, enjoy the beaches, admire the fauna (there are many flamingos, crabs, turtles...), lie down in one of the hammocks and, above all, don't leave without trying the seafood.

The ferries leave from the town of Chiquilá, about 140 kilometers from Cancun. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes. From the boat you can enjoy privileged views of the sea and, if you are lucky, you might even see dolphins.

Book a boat trip in Cancun

4. Celebrate the spirituality of the summer solstice

Chichen Itza| ©Leosprspctive
Chichen Itza| ©Leosprspctive

For the ancient Maya civilization, the sun had a fundamental importance, especially on its key dates: the solstices and equinoxes. The summer solstice takes place on June 21 all over the world, this is the longest day of the year and, consequently, has the shortest night of the year.

For the Maya, this was synonymous with the planet receiving more solar energy than any other day and, therefore, abundance, fertility and joy were celebrated. Many people celebrate this date by going to Chichén Itzá, one of the main archaeological remains in Yucatán and one of the most famous in Mexico. Although the distance is almost 200 kilometers, it is a visit you can't miss and there are plenty of companies that organize excursions, so you have no excuse!

Take the opportunity to purify yourself and renew your energy in one of the most impressive ruins in the world, just as the Mayas did.

Book an excursion to Chichén Itzá

5. Be amazed by the Voladores de Papantla (Papantla Flyers)

Papantla Flyers| ©Ben & Gab
Papantla Flyers| ©Ben & Gab

And, speaking of the summer solstice, another ritual that takes place on these dates is that of the Voladores de Papantla. In this ceremony, 4 bird-men climb a 30 meter high pole while playing the flute and drum. This rite has been performed in the city of Papantla, located in the state of Veracruz, for more than 2,500 years.

Cancun is quite far from this area, but don't despair! At Xcaret Park (located in Playa del Carmen, an hour's drive from Cancun), you will have the opportunity to experience one of these ceremonies up close, in addition to many other activities, such as swimming in subway rivers, admiring archaeological remains and much more.

Xcaret Park organizes these rituals for tourists every day. However, as with the temple of Chichen Itza, it is very interesting to see it on one of its traditional dates, as the locals used to do in the past. I leave this post for you to know which are the best excursions to Xcaret Park in Riviera Maya from Cancun.

6. Stroll along Fifth Avenue

On Fifth Avenue| ©Michael Johson
On Fifth Avenue| ©Michael Johson

Continuing on to Playa del Carmen, you will find Quinta Avenida. This area is super popular and, especially in the summer months, is full of life.

The avenue is about 5 kilometers long and runs parallel to the sea. So, at any time, you can take one of its narrow streets to get to the beach.

Many tourists come here for shopping, lunch and dinner or just a drink. However, a simple stroll around here is more than recommendable. In addition, you can end up in Fundadores Park, located at one end, where many events and shows are held.

Compare the best tours in Cancun

7. Spend an afternoon at Paradise Island Experience

At Paradise Island Experience| ©Farid Char
At Paradise Island Experience| ©Farid Char

No, Isla Paradise Experience is not an island per se, but the best shopping mall in Cancun. Although the official sales season starts at the end of June, it is possible to find great discounts and promotions from the very beginning of the month.

In this huge shopping mall you will find from popular fashion stores, such as Stradivarius or Bershka, to the best luxury brands, such as Tiffany's or Yves Saint Laurent, to name just a couple. But here you will also find movie theaters, restaurants and even a tequila museum!

Don't miss Cancun's Interactive Aquarium, which has more than a thousand specimens of fish of more than 140 species. Here you can touch stars and sea urchins, as well as dive into the fish tanks - an adventure for the little ones!

But don't leave just yet! A 3-minute walk from the mall is the Sky Wheel or Gran Rueda de Cancun, a Ferris wheel over 70 meters high that promises to offer you one of the best views of the whole city. Don't miss it!

8. Attend concerts, dances and plays

Party on the Beach| ©Wells Baum
Party on the Beach| ©Wells Baum

As in any other city, summer in Cancun begins in June and, with it, a whole program of concerts, festivals, dance shows and plays that flood the city and cheer up its people.

Of course, the events change every year. So take a good look at the concerts of your favorite singer or band because, if they are international, they are sure to make a stop in Cancun!

I recommend you take a look at the cultural and leisure program for the days of your trip and buy tickets for the events in advance. You can check it here.

9. Celebrate Navy Day

Getting to know Isla de Mujeres| ©Anna Szwal
Getting to know Isla de Mujeres| ©Anna Szwal

Every year on June 1, Isla Mujeres celebrates the National Navy Day, to pay special tribute to Mexican sailors and, in general, to any worker whose activity is developed or related to the sea, such as merchants, fishermen or security and protection corps, among others.

As a result, some days before, an extensive cultural program and various activities are organized, culminating on the 1st, with the commemorative ceremony and the floral offering of Bahía Mujeres.

In addition, if you are a fan of beach sports, during these days there are also volleyball and beach soccer tournaments that you can attend.

10. Visit the largest convention in the Mexican Caribbean

Geek Fest| ©Daniel Grawys
Geek Fest| ©Daniel Grawys

I'm talking about Geek Fest, an annual 3-day convention held in early June in Cancun that brings together more than 2,000 fans of manga, anime, comics, video games, cosplay and much more.

Here you can find out about all the latest news that have come out in the last year, attend conferences and concerts, participate in tournaments and contests, meet creators and artists and countless other activities.

You can also find exclusive products and get discounts at the convention booths.

If you are also passionate about this world, this convention is highly recommended. You can check all the information and buy tickets directly on their website.

Prices in Cancun in the month of June

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

The month of June is already low season in Cancun, so the influx of tourists is much lower. This means that the prices of flights, hotels and tourist services are somewhat more affordable than in the high season months.

This also means that you will be able to enjoy the beaches and attractions of Cancun in a much more relaxed and relaxed way, since there will not be as crowded as in other seasons.

Anyway, I recommend you to organize your trip at least 6 months in advance. This way you will be able to get the best rates, especially with the airlines. Remember that, for international travel, it is best to look for accommodations that offer free cancellation.

Weather in Cancun in June

Evening in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton
Evening in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton

June 1 is considered the start of hurricane season in Mexico, so many tourists prefer to plan their vacations on other dates. However, these atmospheric phenomena are quite rare: there have only been two in the last 30 years and always between August and October. So you should not have any problems on your trip.

Cancun's climate is semi-tropical, so temperatures usually stay warm throughout the year, although they increase slightly in the summer months.

Generally, during the month of June in Cancun and its surroundings there is still little chance of rain and the days are usually sunny. Temperatures range from a high of 32⁰C to a low of 25⁰C.

The water temperature is also quite warm in the summer months, making swimming and snorkeling a perfect activity (especially if there are whale sharks!).

Compare the best Cancun tours